Tube length of chironomid larvae as an indicator for dissolved oxygen in water bodies

Abstract

Tube-building larvae of non-biting midges, or chironomids, are considered bioindicators of water pollution. The larvae use benthic particles to make their tubes and create a respiratory current with the movement of their bodies inside the tubes. The tube length of the chironomid larvae varies depending on several physicochemical properties of the aquatic medium. Here we study the role of physicochemical parameters on the tube length from different field sites and in the laboratory. It appears that among different physicochemical factors, dissolved oxygen (DO) has a major role in determining the tube length of the larvae. A quantitative relationship between oxygen concentration and the tube length of larvae is presented here. Our study reveals a longer tube in aquatic media with oxygen deficiency and a shorter tube in those with higher oxygen. This result may help to assess the quality of water bodies and, in particular the status of DO.

Assessing the Efficacy of Coagulation (Al3+) and Chlorination in Water Treatment Plant Processes: Inactivating Chironomid Larvae for Improved Tap Water Quality

“…It is possible that some larvae are able to survive and thrive in the presence of coagulants. Moreover, the fact that larvae in samples with high turbidity exhibited more pronounced development and some even reached maturity highlights the importance of considering other factors, such as water quality and environmental conditions, in the control of chironomid larvae in water treatment processes [19]. Our study also provides useful insights into the potential limitations of the coagulation process in controlling chironomid larvae in water treatment.…”

Chironomid farming in consideration of various physicochemical parameters and reuse of condensate water

“…This condition satisfies the organism as a true bio‐indicator species (Zaghloul et al., 2020), stating that it acts as an indicator for both terrestrial and aquatic environments; very recently, Podder et al. (2022) also reported that by measuring the tube length of this larva, one can understand the amount of dissolved oxygen in a water body. At the beginning of winter, the source of water is changed from AC water to tap water in the culture media.…”

“…Dissolved oxygen in water has a great impact on these tube‐building chironomid larvae. The deficiency of oxygen in the aquatic medium makes the tube longer in comparison to the shorter tube with adequate dissolved oxygen (Podder et al., 2022). The nutrient content of Chironomus larvae, like fibre, proteins, fat, etc., makes them suitable as fish food and is also observed as the preferred food for Clarias depending upon the availability of larvae in aquatic sources (Bogut et al., 2007; Parven et al., 2013).…”